Culture Coordinator/Carver

3009 Portland Ave E, Tacoma, WA 98404, USAReq #51

Friday, March 15, 2019

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is committed to protecting and exercising the inherent inalienable sovereign rights of the Tribe and Individuals in the interest of the Medicine Creek Treat Territories, as stewards to ensure preservation of our cultural and environmental integrity for common good and prosperity for all.

Position Summary:

Coordinates cultural related activities for the Culture Department. Plans and teaches activities under the general direction of the Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Assists the Director with event planning for cultural events such as the First Fish Ceremony, blessing of buildings, canoe family, etc.

Assists the Assistant Director with scheduling and oversight of Traditional Healers.

Develops and plans new activities for culture classes.

Assists with developing instruction and teaching carving, small projects, rattles, paddles and drums, for all ages, youth, teens and adult.

Responsible for carving paddles and wood working for funerals, give away items and other special request.

Assists with repair and upkeep of canoes, trailers and support boats.

Assists with maintenance of shop tools and equipment.

Teaches drumming and singing of Puyallup/Coastal song and dance to youth in canoe family, culture class and afterschool programs at the Youth Center and Chief Leschi School.Assists with drug and alcohol prevention curriculum.

Represents Culture Department at community meetings and events.

Researches information such as: Specialty resources for wood working,

Making and designing caskets for the Puyallup Tribe. Teaches appropriate stories, about the use, making and care of items.

Develops library of instruction on cultural activities that are taught by the department to preserve the teachings and activities of the department. This is to include: supplies needed, instructions on how to make item, stories related to the activity and care instructions for item made.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory duties. Oversees teaching of carving and other cultural activities to adults, youth and children.

Qualifications and Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Associates Degree and four years of experience in planning, organizing and developing activities and events of a more complex nature; and ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of tribal culture and traditions to create and teach cultural training programs preferred;

Position requires general knowledge of wood working, types of wood and the care and upkeep of materials.

General mechanical knowledge of boats and trailers. Must have knowledge of how to maintain and run a boat and trailer.

Working knowledge of how to properly use and maintain woodworking tools and equipment, such as band saw, sander, etc.

Knowledge of general safety methods for equipment.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professions journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.Ability to write reports and business correspondence.Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, Tribal members, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization may exist.Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Other Requirements

 Position requires ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends.

 Must have and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of auto insurance; valid driver’s license must not contain any restrictions that would prohibit the employee’s use of a tribal vehicle.

 Must pass a criminal background check prior to and periodically throughout employment.

 Must demonstrate strong organizational skills, flexibility, a team player, motivation and a willingness to grow and learn.

 Must be friendly, courteous and tactful.

 Must be dependable and have an ability to keep track of various tasks.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.

Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

The employee occasionally is required to stand and walk.

The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10-25 pounds and occasionally life and/or move 25-50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level is moderate.

The physical exertion is moderate due to the need to lift and move boxes and supplies used in youth activities.

Work is performed in an office setting.

There are frequent contacts and interruptions during the day.

The work may involve confidential information.

Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law

Native American preference applies and job placements are given on a competitive basis, using job related factors. Because of the large number of applications received and limited job positions, your application will not guarantee employment.